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KABANATA 65
Huling Na-update:
2024-11-27 11:30:04
Kaugnay na kabanata
Under His Possession KABANATA 66
RYUU'S P. O. V"This is Trinity Medical Center. Kami po 'yung rumesponde sa nangyaring aksidente. Nasa ospital na po ngayon si Ma'am Janiya Fortaleza. She's currently in the emergency room. We need you here ASAP.”It was everything that I thought while I'm driving. Walang ibang laman ang isip ko kundi ang nakakagimbal na balitang iyon na narinig ko. I was just done checking Janiya in her room pero wala s'ya. And then this news came. Damn.As my car pulled into tge Trinity Medical Center, I immediately rushed in, my heart pounding in my chest. My feet was pounding as I walk to the information desk."Good morning, Sir. How may I help you—”"I'm Ryuu. I'm here for Janiya Fortaleza. Nasaan s'ya?” nagmamadaling tanong ko.The nurse seemed shock. Natigilan pa s'ya pero saglit lang 'yon dahil nagsimula na s'yang maghanap."Nasa… emergency room pa rin po s'ya, Sir. Third floor po,” aniya mayamaya.Pagkatapos kong magpasalamat ay tinakbo ko agad ang elevator at sumakay doon. Habang paakyat 'yon
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 67
RYUU'S P. O. V"Pagaling ka na, Niya. Okay na si Cameron. And your sons are all waiting for you. I'm… waiting for you.”Hinawakan ko at marahang pinisil ang kamay ni Niya. She's still asleep.The sterile white, hospital ceiling was a stark, unforgiving canvas. Nakadagdag pa sa lamlam n'on ang walang malay at maputlang katawan ni Niya. Her chest rises and falls with the shallow breaths of a life teetering on the edge. Pero hanggang do'n lang 'yon. Her eyes are still shut. The rhythmic beeping of the machines, a constant, insistent pulse, was the only sound in the silent room, a soundtrack to a life hanging by a thread.Her eyes, usually bright and full of life, were closed, her face pale and drawn. 'Yung mga mata n'ya. 'Yung mga mata n'yang gustung-gusto ko nang makita ulit… The doctors are working tirelessly to ensure her safety. Pero hanggang ngayon, kahit sila ay wala ring masabing magandang balita sa amin kundi maghintay lang kung kailan magigising si Niya.Napapitlag ako nang may
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 68
SV'S P. O. V"How are you, Janiya? And… where are you now? Can you please come back? Because I swear, Adrianne and that f*cking Ryuu are already inches away from killing me.”Of course, I got no response from her. I sighed. Para na 'kong siraulo na kumakausap sa taong walang malay at alam ko namang hindi ako sasagutin. Baka ni hindi n'ya nga ako naririnig man lang."Look, I know I made a terrible mistake. And yeah, I did—somehow, I played a part of how everything ended up this way. But I'm sorry,” I whispered again.I slowly reach for her hand. I hold it close, then squeeze it gently. I stare at her face for a moment.I've known her only for years before she went away. Before everything happened. But still, I got to know her. We were able to live under one roof. At some point of my life, I also treated her as if she's my younger sister I've never had. Or maybe, even way more than that. Because when she left, I felt like going crazy. I want to search the whole f*cking world just to see
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 69
SV'S P. O. V"O, Vicencio, nandito ka na pala. Teka, 'yung mga bata—nasaan 'yung mga bata?”Nilagpasan ko lang si Mamay at dire-diretso akong lumapit sa sofa. Binagsak ko lang ang katawan ko ro'n at sumandal tsaka pumikit. I slightly loosen my necktie as I opened the first three button of my long-sleeved polo."Nagluto pa naman ako ng marami. Akala ko, kasama mong uuwi ang mga bata—”"But as you can see, there are no kids. Kaya hindi ko sila kasama, Mamay, okay? Tama na ho 'yang paulit-ulit n'yo,” I said in great annoyance."Aba at sinasagot-sagot mo na ako? Vicencio, nagtatanong lang ako ng maayos dito dahil concern ako sa mga bata at syempre, sa'yo. Mula nang maaksidente si Niya, hindi ko na kayo nakitang kumain nang maayos. Ni hindi na nga kayo makangiti—”"Janiya's at the hospital and there's nothing to be happy for. There's nothing to celebrate,” usal ko."Ha? Anong—”"That's what Chase said. Imagine, he got my attitude. Kahit hindi nila ako nakasama sa paglaki nila, he still got
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 70
RYUU'S P. O. V"It's getting nearly impossible, Ryuu. Unti-unti nang bumabagsak ang vital signs ni Niya at hindi na rin halos nagre-react ang katawan n'ya sa mga gamot na itinuturok sa kanya. Plus, she's brain dead. I don't want to bear the bad news but I don't have a choice. Janiya has been unstable these past few days. I also don't want to give false hopes but—”"Enough, Euna. Naririnig ka ng mga bata.”Mula kay Euna—ang personal doctor na kinuha ko para mag-monitor kay Janiya—ay lumipat ang tingin ko sa triplets na ngayon ay nakatingin lang sa amin habang nag uusap kami. It was so certain they heard what Euna just said. Matatalino rin ang mga bata kaya kahit nasa murang edad pa sila, alam ko na naiintindihan na rin nila ang mga bagay-bagay."I'm sorry—”"Excuse me, when will our mom wake up? Or, would she?” singit ni Chase sa usapan namin.'Eto na nga ba ang sinasabi ko.Nag step in pa s'ya sa pagitan namin, parang gusto n'ya talagang ipakita na interesado at desidido s'yang sumali
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 71
RYUU'S P. O. V"What happened to Janiya? How's she?!”Hindi ko mapigilan ang inis ko paglipad ng tingin ko kay SV."You're late. So late,” usal ko. I was calm. But I also made sure to make him feel my wrath."W-What do you mean I'm late? Where is she—”"She's been declared dead. For a couple of minutes now,” anunsyo ko."F*ck…”He raked his hair, probably in disappointment. Ano pa ba kasing dapat n'yang maramdaman bukod do'n? It was obvious he doesn't give a single damn about her."C-Can I visit her? Is she at the morgue already—”"Paano kung oo? If she's already in the morgue, matutuwa ka ba? Would you celebrate—” Hindi ko na natapos 'yung sasabihin ko dahil naramdaman ko na ang malakas na pagtama ng kamao ni SV sa panga ko. Malakas ang impact ng suntok na 'yon kaya halos bumuwal na rin ako. But even so, I managed to control my balance. Nakadagdag na rin 'yung mahigpit n'yang pagkakahawak sa kwelyo ko."Is that all? Is that what you can do? Would that wake Niya up? Kasi kung oo?” Napa
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 72
SV'S P. O. V"… I wasn't ready to be a father yet, pero dahil sa kanila naramdaman ko kung ga'no kasaya maging tatay. Too bad, you didn't feel it. At 'yun na siguro 'yung masasabi kong greatest punishment mo sa pagtataboy noon kay Niya. Hindi mo nakitang isilang ang mga anak mo at hindi mo sila nabantayan, nakasama, at nakabonding habang unti-unti silang lumalaki.”That words of Ryuu hit me big time. Masakit. Kasi alam kong totoo. It was true that the biggest punishment I got from abandoning Niya and my sons almost five years ago was that, not having them around the moment they went out to this world. I didn't get to witness them being brought to this world. Hindi ko nakita ang unang ngiti nila, hindi ko narinig ang unang salita na sinabi nila. And it hurts not just a lot. Kundi sobra."Could you believe? 'Dada' ang first word ni Chase. Si Cross naman, 'Papa'. Si Cameron, 'Didi'. All are different words. Pero isa lang ang tinutukoy nilang lahat at alam kong hindi ako 'yon. But the mome
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27Under His Possession KABANATA 73
SV'S P. O. VThe sterile white of the hospital room seemed to amplify the silence, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. And she was laying still, her life still hanging by a thread. Wala na 'yung sigla ng dating Janiya na kilala ko. She's laying their almost lifeless, with her relying only on the machines.Five weeks had passed since the accident, five weeks of agonizing uncertainty, of hope dwindling with each passing day. Heaven, her stepmother, sat by Janiya’s bedside, her hand clasped tightly in Janiya's, her eyes red-rimmed from countless tears. She whispered stories of that only the two of them hear, hoping that some part of her would hear, would respond.And I am standing by the window, my eyes fixed on the city skyline, a blur of lights and shadows that seemed to mock my pain. I had spent countless hours by Janiya’s side, holding her hand, whispering words of love and encouragement, but my words felt hollow, my touc
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
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RYUU'S P. O. VThe manila envelope felt heavy in my hands, the weight a physical manifestation of the revelation it contained.Laman na nito ang resulta ng ilang araw na imbestigasyon kay Caprice. I had expected dirt, maybe a criminal record, something to justify the unsettling feeling Caprice had instilled in me. Instead, the report painted a picture far more complex, far more… disturbing.Caprice, the enigmatic woman who’d waltzed into my life like a whirlwind, was the only child of a multimillionaire businessman. The report detailed a life of privilege, of unchecked extravagance, of pranks and escapades that would have landed most people in serious trouble. Yet, she’d always escaped unscathed, shielded by the immense power and influence of her family.The shock hit me like a physical blow. The inconsistencies, the lies, the carefully crafted façade—it all clicked into place. She hadn't been trying to hide a dark past; she'd been hiding her privileged one. The anger that surged thro
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RYUU'S P. O. VThe phone call felt clandestine, even in the privacy of my study. The low hum of the line was a counterpoint to the frantic drumming of my fingers on the mahogany desk. I cleared my throat, the sound echoing unnaturally loud in the quiet room.Nakakapanibago pa rin talaga na wala si Niya at 'yung triplets dito. Sobrang tahimik na. Wala na 'yung dating ingay at 'yung dating energy.“Hello,” I said, my voice a low murmur. “Yes, it’s me. I need you to do a background check… on someone. Her name is Caprice. Caprice… I’m not sure of her last name. Just… Caprice.”Imbis na sagot ay pagtawa lang ang narinig ko sa kabilang linya."Sir, sa lawak ng mundo at sa dami ng taong may pangalang Caprice, imposibleng makita ko agad 'yung hinahanap n'yo,” he said afterwards. "Give me at least the surname, Sir. O kahit ano pang identity n'ya.”I hesitated, the weight of my suspicions pressing down on me. Caprice. The name itself felt like a riddle, a whisper of something both alluring and
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CAPRICE'S P. O. V"Mr. Best Man—” "You call me 'Sir'. Sir Takahashi, or I will f*cking fire you!”Instead na mainis, I just smiled after Mr. Best Man snapped at me."I'm just calling you. Bakit ba galit ka agad?” I asked."Ano na naman ba kasing kailangan mo?”I slowly walked my way towards him. I pinned both of my hands on his desk, and smiled."Do you want my special dragon-strength coffee—”"Dragon-strength coffee na amoy at lasang sunog na goma. Cut the crap, Caprice. And please, lubayan mo 'ko. I have my tasks to do. You have yours, so please. Let's just keep this the professional way.”“So, the proposal you made with the Uytengcos,” I began, leaning forward, my voice a sugary concoction of professional charm and playful flirtation. “I’ve compiled a preliminary report. It’s quite… intense.”I let my gaze linger on his, a calculated move designed to unsettle his composure.He didn’t flinch. Not even a twitch. Just that same infuriatingly calm, controlled expression.“Good,” he sai
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RYUU'S P. O. VThe desk felt colder than usual, compared to what it is when Niya is still around. Pero mas okay naman na 'to—ang mag isa kaysa may umaaligid-aligid sa akin. Adrianne is sitting across the table and facing me. Tinawagan ko lang s'ya kasi kailangang-kailangan ko na ng kausap. I have to take everything out. Or else, I'll explode. Ayoko namang abalahin si Niya dahil bukod sa buntis s'ya at bawal ma-stress, alam ko rin na nasa honeymoon stage pa sila ngayon ni SV. And I don't wanna spoil the moment."It's not just the constant interruptions, Adrianne," I began, running a hand through my already disheveled hair. "It's… everything. The incessant chirping, the way she practically bounces into my office, the… the sheer audacity of it all. Nakakapikon.”Adrianne chuckled, a low, melodic sound that did little to soothe my frayed nerves."Audacity? Ryuu, you're talking about Caprice, the woman who once serenaded you with off-key karaoke at Niya and SV's wedding reception. Remember
Under His Possession SPECIAL CHAPTER 1
RYUU'S P. O. V"Next applucant, please!”I slowly leaned my back as I do my stretching. Pumikit din ako ng mariin habang sinusulit ang sarap ng pakiramdam ng pag-i-stretch.Successful ang naging pag-eexpand ko ng kumpanya rito sa Pilipinas. Nakatulong ng malaki ang partnership ko kay SV para maging successful at mas mapabilis ang pagpapakilala ng negosyo ko sa market. At ngayon na alam kong mas magiging focus na si Niya sa pamilya n'ya at sa parating pa nilang baby, alam ko na hindi na s'ya magiging hands on sa kumpanya namin gaya ng dati. Besides, kailangan ko rin ng mga bagong tao para makatulong ko sa pagpapalawak pa ng business at influence ko. And now, I've been scanning several applicants for various positions. Diretsa naman akong kausap—sinasabi ko agad kung tanggap ba sila o hindi sa kumpanya ko. At kung tanggap sila, binibigyan ko agad sila ng posisyon. Gano'n lang kadali.Sa ngayon, isang posisyon na lang ang hindi ko pa napupunan—ang secretarial position."Sorry, Sir. Last a
Under His Possession EPILOGO
1 month later… JANIYA'S P. O. VThe courtroom was a symphony of whispers and hushed conversations. The air crackled with tension, a palpable energy that vibrated through the room. Giulia, the woman who had orchestrated the accident that had nearly taken my life, sat before the judge, her face a mask of defiance. "Your Honor," the prosecutor began, his voice a steady drone. "The evidence is clear. The defendant, Giulia, acted with malice aforethought, deliberately causing a car accident that resulted in serious injuries to the plaintiff, Janiya.”He recounted the events, the meticulous planning, the calculated actions, the chilling indifference to the potential consequences. I sat in the witness stand, my heart a heavy stone in my chest, reliving the terror of that fateful day."The defendant," he continued, "has shown no remorse for her actions. She has exhibited a complete disregard for the law and the well-being of others. She is a danger to society and must be held accountable for
Under His Possession KABANATA 89
RYUU'S P. O. VThe wedding reception was a blur of happy faces, clinking glasses, and the sweet scent of lilies. I stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching Janiya and SV twirl, their laughter echoing through the garden. It was supposed to be my night, the night I celebrated my best friend's happiness. But a strange emptiness gnawed at my heart. Janiya had chosen SV. It was her choice, her happiness, and I was happy for her. Truly, I was. But a part of me, a selfish, stubborn part, wished it had been me standing there, holding her hand, watching the sunset with her.As the night wore on, I found myself drawn to the bar, seeking solace in the amber glow of a whiskey. The music pulsed around me, a hypnotic rhythm that did little to soothe the ache in my chest."Well, well, well," a voice slurred beside me. "Looks like someone's got the blues."I turned to see a woman, her face flushed, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. She was beautiful, in a messy, untamed way, with a w
Under His Possession KABANATA 88
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe air crackled with anticipation, a symphony of laughter and whispered secrets. The sun, a benevolent witness, bathed the garden in a golden glow, illuminating the scene with a warmth that mirrored the love that pulsed through the air. It was my wedding day, a culmination of a journey filled with heartache, healing, and ultimately, a love that had triumphed over every obstacle.My reflection stared back at me, a vision of happiness in a white gown that flowed like a gentle waterfall. My heart, once burdened with pain, now swelled with a joy so profound it threatened to spill over.Earlier that day, as I stood before the mirror, my hand resting on my swollen belly, the doctor had uttered the words that had sent a wave of pure bliss through me. "Congratulations, Janiya," he had said, his smile mirroring the joy that illuminated my face. "You're going to be a mother of four.""Four?" I echoed, my voice filled with disbelief and delight. "Are you sure?""Absolutely," he
Under His Possession KABANATA 87
RYUU'S P. O. VTomorrow's the big day. Ikakasal na s'ya.Masakit pa rin sa akin isipin na at last, matatali na rin si Niya sa lalaking mahal n'ya at certainly, gusto n'yang makasama habang buhay. Yes, I am happy for her. But that didn't change the fact that I am still hurting. Masakit pa rin pala.Ini-imagine ko pa lang na makita s'ya at si SV na nagsisimula para maglakbay to spend their entire life being together, parang ang sakit sakit na. But what else can I do? May choice ako na pigilan si Niya at kausapin but of course, I won't do that. Dahil masaya ako sa naging choice n'ya at alam ko rin na doon s'ya magiging masaya. Plus, she'll be fine with SV. Alam ko 'yon. And if time comes na balewalain s'ya ulit ni SV, siguro ro'n na lang ako babalik sa picture. To save her again and be with her. Because I swear, I can do it for her endless times. Only for her."Tapos na sa final fitting ng gown at shoes n'ya si Niya. Ayaw mo bang makita?”Mula sa magandang tanawin sa balcony ay napalingon
